Drone footage helps identify driver after pheasants shot at in Hampshire

In Linkenholt, near Andover in Hampshire, drone volunteers filmed men firing catapults at pheasants from a Honda CR-V driving across farmland.

The incident happened on private land on 7 October, and one bird was injured and the field was damaged by the vehicle.

Police used the footage to identify the 29-year-old driver, who is from Dibden Purlieu and admitted his involvement.

He received a community resolution requiring a victim awareness course and a warning about his behaviour.

If he repeats the behaviour, he could receive a full Community Protection Notice; breaching it could lead to arrest and prosecution.

The case shows how civilian drone volunteers are helping police tackle rural crime through a scheme launched earlier this year.